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Ultrabooks get tough with the X1

Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkPad X1 Ultrabook, designed specifically for busy feds and workers on the go. It combines speed, performance and security with a rugged design.

The X1 series has always been about working for travelers. The X1 series is created a little bit smaller than normal, so that it can fit on an airplane’s food tray, while still giving users a 14-inch touchscreen. The latest X1 Ultrabook adds a carbon fiber roll-cage to protect the entire device. Lenovo says the carbon fibers are as strong as aluminum, but weigh a third less. This gives the entire X1 a weight of just 2.99 pounds.

Government users concerned with security on the road will find that the X1 is packed with a fingerprint reader, a security chip, and BIOS-level encryption. And it ships with an enhanced battery that includes Lenovo’s RapidCharge technology, giving five hours of battery life with just a 35-minute charge-up time. There is a back-lit keyboard that increases light levels based on the ambient light in the room, so it gets brighter when the environment is darkest, and turns off to save on battery life when it’s not needed.

The X1 is a real workhorse too, with any of Intel’s third-generation chips powering the device. Graphics are provided by Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics, and the X1 also comes with Dolby Home Theater version 4 and a 720p HD resolution webcam. Add in dual-array microphones and face tracking software, and the X1 becomes a powerful teleconferencing tool.

Other features include a 4-in-1 SD card reader, a 3.0 USB port and a mini DisplayPort capable of handling both audio and video.

The new X1 Ultrabooks start at $1,330, depending on equipped extra features and processor speed. All X1s are designed to run full versions of Microsoft Windows 7.